Abstract: The present invention provides a fish attracting composition. Previously fish sex hormones were considered only to have a role in sexual reproduction, however the present invention shows that these hormones can be used to induce feeding behaviour in fish. In particular a fish attracting composition is disclosed which contains at least one fish sex hormone which functions as a sex pheromone, however a synthetic nature similar version thereof may alternatively be used. In particular, a fish composition containing the composition 12,20?-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one is shown, this for inducing feeding behaviour in carp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant polynucleotide comprising a promoter sequence being an inducible promoter obtainable from apple. The promoter sequence is preferably activated in response to which agents are specific to ripening fruit and is most preferably the apple &bgr;-galactosidase (ABG1) promoter. Vectors form a further part of the invention. Also provided are host plant cells, plus methods of producing transgenic plants and fruit which incorporate antisense RNA capable of down-regulating genes involved in ripening or peptides or proteins improving fungal, insect, bacterial, viral, herbicidal, nematode, or arachnid resistance. Such transgenic plants and fruit have storage and pest-resistance properties superior to non-transgenic varieties.

Abstract: A mammalian pesticidal composition, and in particular a pesticidal composition for the control of insectivores, in which a pesticidal agent comprising one or more low molecular weight halogenated hydrocarbons, and in particular bromoform, is provided in microencapsulated form, for example, in a coacervated gelatinous base. The resultant microcapsule is preferably provided with a moisture resistant coating which is degradable in a mammalian alimentary system. A method of controlling mammalian pests, in particular insectivores such as moles, using the above composition is also described.

Abstract: A peptide or peptide conjugate is provided comprising one or more epitopes capable of producing an immune response against equine arteritis virus in animals. The peptides and conjugates are useful in vaccines directed against equine arteritis virus, an agent implicated in equine abortion, and as binding agents for use in binding assays, including ELISA assays, for antibodies thereto. Antibodies and antisera to the peptides and peptide conjugates may also be used as such binding agents in assays directed at the virus itself.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting an animal embryo involves transferring a diploid nucleus into an oocyte which is arrested in the metaphase of the second meiotic division. The oocyte is not activated at the time of transfer, so that the donor nucleus is kept exposed to the recipient cytoplasm for a period of time. The diploid nucleus can be donated by a cell in either the G0 or G1 phase of the cell cycle at the time of transfer. Subsequently, the reconstituted embryo is activated. Correct ploidy is maintained during activation, for example, by incubating the reconstituted embryo in the presence of a microtubule inhibitor such as nocodazole. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more live animal births. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic animals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting a mammalian embryo involves transferring the nucleus from a quiescent donor cell into a suitable recipient cell. The donor cell is quiescent, in that it is caused to exit from the growth and division cycle at G1 and to arrest in the G0 state. Nuclear transfer may take place by cell fusion. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more mammals. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic mammals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.

Abstract: Novel generic antibodies are provided that are specific to groups of organophosphates, particularly to a class of organophosphate pesticides in common usage. Further provided are compounds and methods for raising these antibodies, test kits containing them and methods for their use. The antibodies targeted at low molecular weight (i.e. below MW 1000) organophosphorous pesticides methacrifos, pirimphos methyl, etrimfos, fenitrothion, chlopyrifos methyl, dichlorovos and malathion. Preferred conjugates of the invention are of the formula (RO.sub.2 --P(S)--Z--[Y]--Protein wherein R is lower alkyl and Z is as O, S or --NH--, Y is a spacer group and "Protein" indicates a protein suitable for use in hapten protein conjugates for the purpose of raising antibodies and antisera. Typical and preferred proteins are bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin from chicken egg, keyhole limpet hemocyananin and mixtures of these.

Abstract: A method for controlling pests comprising administering to them a compound of the formula (i) R-PH-R', wherein R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 aliphatic hydrocarbyl group and R' is H or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 aliphatic hydrocarbyl group. Either hydrocarbyl group may be optionally substituted. Preferably, the compound of formula (i) is metliylphosphiine. The method has particular utility against insects which are resistant to phosphine. Also disclosed are pesticidal compositions of compounds of formula (i), and methods and compositions combining these compounds with phosphine.

Abstract: A method for detection, identification and/or quantification of bacteriophage of bacterial host specificity for bacterial genus, species or serotype, based upon the occurrence of release of cell contents, particularly nucleotides e.g. ATP, on lysis of bacterial cell walls on incubation with bacterial host cells. When new phage particles are released at the end of the phage replication cycle nucleotide levels are measured and compared with controls. The method provides for the detection of specific phages which is faster and more sensitive than known techniques. The method is only limited by the availability of host bacteria/target phage pairings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for pretreating heat stable proteins derived from a rendered animal material prior to performing an assay for their presence comprising (a) preparing a protein containing extract of the material, (b) removing substantially all or part of the gelatin from the extract and (c) concentrating the remaining protein such that it tests positive for protein by immunoassay at a dilution of greater than 1 in 6,000.

Abstract: A method for detection, identification and/or quantification of target organisms of specific bacterial genus, species or serotype, based upon the occurence of release of cell contents, particularly nucleotides, e.g., ATP, on lysis of bacterial cell walls on incubation with bacteriophages (phages) specific for them. When new phase particles are released at the end of the phage replication cycle nucleotide levels are measured and compared with controls. The method provides for the detection of specific bacteria which does not require insertion of the lux gene into the phage genome yet is faster and more sensitive than known non-modified phage utilizing techniques. The method is only limited by the availability of phage types suitable for selective attack of the target bacterial to be detected and can detect a single Salmonella in a sample of milk in under 12 hours.

Abstract: Isolates of bacteria of species Pseudomonas fluorescens, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia plymuthica, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilis and Bacillus polymyxa are effective in cabbages in inhibiting the growth of organisms of the post-harvest disease causing fungi Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria brassicicola.

Abstract: Novel generic antibodies are provided that are specific to groups of organophosphates, particularly to a class of organophosphate pesticides in common usage. Further provided are compounds and methods for raising these antibodies, test kits containing them and methods for their use. The antibodies targeted at low molecular weight (i.e. below MW 1000) organophosphorous pesticides methacrifos, pirimphos methyl, etrimfos, fenitrothion, chlopyrifos methyl, dichlorovos and malathion. Preferred conjugates of the invention are of the formula (RO).sub.2 --P(S)--Z--?Y!-Protein wherein R is lower alkyl and Z is as O, S or --NH--, Y is a spacer group and "Protein" indicates a protein suitable for use in hapten protein conjugates for the purpose of raising antibodies and antisera. Typical and preferred proteins are bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin from chicken egg, keyhole limpet hemocyananin and mixtures of these.

Abstract: Techniques for the detection of disease of the central nervous system, pacularly of bovine spongiform encephalopathy or "mad cow disease", scrapie and related states, are provided based upon the detection of a factor present in the urine of affected animals or humans. That factor is defined in terms of elution data from an ion exchange column and by electrochemical characteristics.

Abstract: Labelling techniques for specific binding agents are provided wherein the label used comprises a microcapsule containing a nucleotide, preferably in solid form and preferably in crystalline form. Preferred nucleotide is ATP. The presence of labelled agent is determined by disrupting the microcapsule and measuring the amount of nucleotide so released; that being related to the amount of binding agent and thus any related interaction with the target for that agent such as a specific DNA or microorganism.

Abstract: This invention provides a peptide or peptide conjugate of the equine arteis virus G.sub.L protein which elicits an immune response in animals to whom the peptide or peptide conjugate is administered and results in the production of neutralizing antibodies against equine arteritis virus, the peptide or peptide conjugate corresponds to amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs:3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

Abstract: A bait is provided particularly adapted for attracting and arresting mites such that when used in a particular trap it allows non-destructive collection of mites from a produce. This enables study and enumeration of mites to be more easily carried out than with previous bait/trap combinations. The bait takes the form of an aqueous gel body which is then mounted within an apertured container which forms the trap. The gel may further contain other attractant and arrestant components and its use allows mechanical trapping mechanisms to be dispensed with.A method of assessing infestation status and a trap for mounting the bait are also provided, together with methods for using the bait and/or trap as a microbial detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determination of numbers of croorganisms present in materials and for predicting their growth capability in the materials such as foodstuffs, growth media and in the presence of chemical agents. The invention also provides immobilizing cassettes and optical apparatus for use in this method.

Abstract: Novel multi-component insect lures comprising (3Z,6Z)-dodecadien-12-olide and 13-methyl-(5Z,8Z)-tetradecadien-13-olide together with a fungal volatile selected from the group consisting of 1-octen-3-ol and 3-methylbutanol, wherein the amount of 11-methyl-(3Z,6Z)-dodecadien-11-olide in the composition is substantially zero, and a novel method for production of these pheromones, whereby the cost of active components may be reduced to economically advantageous levels. The lures are particularly effective in attracting saw-toothed grain beetles of group Coleoptera, Cucujidae, particularly species Oryzaephilus surinamensis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of use, and a composition, of a carbohydrase and/or a protease for the manufacture of an agent for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of coccidiosis. The agent can be in the form of a cereal-based animal feed. The carbohydrase may be a polysaccharidase such as a xylanase or a cellulase e.g., .beta.-glucanase. The agent may include conventional non-enzymic anticoccidial agents.